Two years ago, I had the privilege of coming to Buchanan Elementary. As a new administrator to the building and knowing that we were blending staff and students, I had one primary goal…Build a unified school community. In the past two years, we have celebrated the birth of children together, we have mourned the loss of loved ones, we have participated in weddings, and supported one another through struggles. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and dreamed together. In some ways, the two years have flown by and in other ways it feels like we’ve been together for much longer.
Recently, something happened in the staff lounge early one morning. One of our teachers dropped her favorite coffee mug. In a moment, the mug (along with the hope of a piping hot coffee) was shattered. However, the next day one of our teachers brought in an identical coffee mug for her colleague. Here’s what made that act so special to me. The two teachers aren’t grade level partners. They are not even close friends. It was simply an act of kindness between two professionals and two kind human beings. When I heard about this event, I was taken aback. It summed up in one simple gesture, what I have been hoping for our team these past two years. Coming together as a caring and supportive community.
As we draw to a close of another school year, I see the connections people have made with one another and the support that is given both in the school setting and in a personal setting. Do we still have disagreements? Yes. Do we still have times of short tempers and frustration? Of course. Do we still have room to grow and learn together? You bet. But, can’t that be said of every family?
“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” – Richard Bach
“You can never go wrong when you have a great team to work with.” – Kubra Sait
“Without a sense of caring, there can be be no sense of community.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
The Spark of Learning 